HEART Initiative unveils dark reality in human trafficking training event

Montana’s extensive and troubling history with human trafficking has earned the moniker of the “truck stop state” within trafficking circles. Human trafficking, sometimes referred to as modern-day slavery, is defined by U.S. federal law as the use of force, fraud or coercion to compel a person into commercial acts or labor against their will. 

Despite its sinister history, human trafficking laws in Montana only recently began to reflect the devastating impacts these inhumane and violent crimes have on individuals. Even today, many across the state are entrapped in dangerous situations. 

The HEART Initiative is a student organization that brings attention to the presence of exploitation in the Bozeman community and surrounding state. Last Tuesday, April 4, the HEART Initiative held a human trafficking training session facilitated by Penny Ronning.

Ronning is a daughter of a trafficking survivor and has trained thousands of people across the country on how to spot signs of human trafficking, President of the HEART Initiative and junior Megan Matteoli said before the event started.

Matteoli provided further insight into the extent of the issue.  

“A lot of people don’t think that it's happening around here, but [the issue] gets bigger every day,” Matteoli said. “It happens in Bozeman. It happens all around Montana. It happens all around our country. Montana is known as the truck stop state. The I-90 makes it really accessible for traffickers to come in and out. [Those most vulnerable to human trafficking include] the LGBTQIA+ community, Native women [and] those who have unstable homes like runaway youth.”

The HEART Initiative was created in 2016 by student advocates. Today, new generations of students work to continue that legacy and host various seminars to educate the community further. 

“We [invite] speakers through every sector of trafficking,” Matteoli said. “We’ve had speakers like Truckers Against Trafficking [and] Fight the New Drug. We [hosted] Andrew Yedinak from the Attorney General's office [where], he said Cat-Griz is one of the biggest days for human trafficking in [Bozeman].

At around 6 p.m., the training commenced and Matteoli introduced Ronning. Ronning is from Billings and is known as a community leader for her diligent anti-trafficking efforts and support for marginalized voices. 

Ronning began the training by establishing her family's history with human trafficking, detailing its enduring influence on her life and following commitment to changing the laws around human trafficking. 

“This was the 1940s — we had no language for what was happening to my mom,” Ronning said at the beginning of the program. “My mom lived her entire life without any justice. In DNA, we know now that we not only inherit our eye color, our hair color, we also inherit things called generational trauma. To this day, my family, my cousins, still do not talk about what was done to my mom. I’m searching the room because I have a cousin who lives here in Bozeman, and she didn’t show.” 

Ronning co-founded the Yellowstone Human Trafficking Task Force in 2016, following her work as a court-appointed special advocate for abused and neglected children. This initiative strives to diminish the prevalence of exploitation in Montana by organizing efforts into three principal committees. With over 800 members, the group works to improve policies and procedures in prosecution and law enforcement, bolstering protection and victim services and fostering prevention and community awareness. 

“Up until 2019, our state legislature never saw the crime of human trafficking as a violent crime,” Ronning said. “The reason that is important is that when you attach the label “violent” to a crime, that means the penalty is higher. Prior to 2019, we did not have one single state agent [whose sole job was] investigating crimes of human trafficking. Not a dime was appropriated to having one agent to these crimes.” 

The content in Ronning’s presentation was painful to acknowledge but critically important. She examined how human trafficking often goes unnoticed, corrected common myths and misconceptions and pointed out ways that those unaffected can help.

“First, understand that it's happening on this campus,” Ronning said. “Understand it is happening in Bozeman. To children — to potentially students in their class. Understand that it is happening. Among the biggest things, don’t buy sex.”

Matteoli has similar guidance for the Bozeman community: “If you see something, say something,” she said. “I would recommend everyone put the Montana [Human Trafficking line] in their phones. We are always looking for new members. In any way someone would like to be involved, we will always welcome them.”

“[This reality] stays with you. That is why I am so passionate about these initiatives. For the rest of my life, I will continue to fight human trafficking and spread awareness. It’s a huge issue that is not talked about enough. There are so many women and children and vulnerable people who need our help,” Matteoli said.

If you are interested in joining the HEART Initiative, email theheartinitiative406@gmail.com for more information. If you or anyone you know might be impacted by human trafficking, call (833) 406-7867.